Issue Position: Defense

Issue Position

I have the privilege of representing the men and women of Fort Sill and Tinker Air Force Base in Congress. My voting record reflects my firm belief in a strong national defense. I believe Congress has no greater responsibility than providing our military with the resources it needs to be the best equipped and the best trained in the world. In a post September 11, 2001, now is not the time to ignore ongoing terrorist threats, or threats emerging over the horizon.. While we must provide funding for these most immediate needs, we must also focus on domestic security and preparation for future challenges.

I remain concerned about the trajectory the Obama administration has chosen in the way it is choosing to resource our military. Just recently, the Secretary of Defense has called for the military to begin cutting programs, services, and benefits -- during a time of war! This is something I cannot, and will not, support. Now is the time to ensure our troops receive the resources they needs and the weapons they require. With that said, I am not blind to the coming budgetary and fiscal challenges that are present and arriving in the very near future. However, I firmly believe that the first job of government is the defense of the people and the homeland. To that end, I will continue to support robust defense budgets that provide for the needs of our servicemen and women.

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